Lorde slams AI glasses as ‘not sexy’ during festival performance
Singer urges fans to avoid AI glasses over privacy, authenticity concerns
Lorde criticised AI-powered smart glasses during her performance at Madrid's Mad Cool Festival, calling the devices "not sexy" and urging fans not to buy them as she voiced concerns about privacy and authenticity.
Addressing the audience, the singer said it has become increasingly difficult to know what is real, adding that people can no longer tell whether someone is simply wearing sunglasses or AI-enabled smart glasses.
"F— the glasses. Don't get the glasses. Not sexy," Lorde told the crowd.
Singer questions growing use of AI wearables
Lorde's comments came amid the growing popularity of AI-powered smart glasses, particularly the Ray-Ban Meta lineup, which combines cameras, AI features and voice assistance in wearable eyewear.
The singer has previously expressed concerns about technology's impact on everyday life and suggested that being present "in the here and now" is more meaningful than relying on AI-powered devices.
Her remarks also coincided with Ray-Ban sponsoring the Mad Cool Festival. Lorde performed just before singer Jennie, who serves as an ambassador for Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses.
Privacy concerns persist despite strong sales
Smart glasses have drawn criticism from privacy advocates and security experts, who warn that built-in cameras and AI capabilities could be misused for surveillance, harassment or unauthorised recording.
Meta has said it includes privacy safeguards, such as a visible recording indicator, and has maintained that it takes user privacy seriously. However, the company continues to face legal and regulatory scrutiny over its AI and data practices.
Despite those concerns, demand for AI eyewear has continued to grow. Ray-Ban maker EssilorLuxottica said it sold more than 7 million Meta AI glasses in 2025, prompting Meta to expand its smart glasses lineup.
